Strong Group Athletics (SGA) has been making a lot of success, highlighted by back-to-back titles in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan recently.

But behind this endeavor is a youthful executive who is boldly plotting the establishment of a dynasty that will spark the golden age of Philippine sports.

Looking meek and boyish at 25 years old, Jacob Lao believes that erecting a dynasty should emanate from the team owners. In their Jones Cup conquest, in fact, they carefully selected the players who are willing to go all out to make the country proud in the international arena.

“That’s really our agenda: To represent the country. So, we don’t want to send a team that’s just so-so because it’s a waste of opportunity. You get to bring pride to your country so, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Lao said in an episode of “Off the Court,” the weekly online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Not everyone can give that kind of opportunity. So, we just wanted to take advantage of it and show our best.”

“So, that’s what we want to see. And then, we’ll look for imports that will complement those guys. We really thought that when we form a team, we’re going to go all out. We’re going to fight for the country.”

Led by veteran Kiefer Ravena and former Oklahoma City Thunder star Andre Roberson, SGA took the Jones Cup by storm as it went undefeated, winning over quality teams from Chinese Taipei, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates in impressive fashion.

Aside from Ravena and Roberson, also shining were DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Geo Chiu, Allen Liwag, Jason Brickman, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame and Ian Miller, underscoring the depth, the experience and the hunger of the Filipino club.

Team effort

With SGA handling also handling teams like Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee in the Premier Volleyball League as well as collegiate teams like College of Saint Benilde, Letran College, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the Philippines, Lao needs help in montoring and making sure that everything is being provided.

So before making any big moves, Lao would consult his family for guidance, especially patriarch Frank Lao as well as his siblings Janice and Jared.

“So, our parents are 100 percent supportive. My siblings, my family. So, we’re always in sync. We’re always together,” Lao, a former standout at Ateneo de Manila University, said.

“I mean, they’re the most important people around me. I wouldn’t be in my position without them. So, all of my decisions, even my life problems or anything, victories, we all share it together.”

“We share ideas. It’s not like ‘oh, you handle this, it’s just you.’ It’s more of like a collective effort, really, when it comes to handling the business.”

The family’s collaboration paid off as Farm Fresh made it to the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League On Tour.

Lao knows they still have long way to go before being mentioned in the same breath as powerhouse squads like Creamline, Petro Gazz and Cignal.

“I mean, we don’t expect to become champions right away or anything. We know it’s going to take time,” Lao said.

“It’s going to take process. Because the big dogs are still there. Creamline, Petro Gazz, PLDT. The teams are still strong. So, we’re just feeling it out. Let’s see where we are. Our goal is just to keep improving.”

Staying grounded

With the Blue Eagles, Lao learned the valuable lessons of discipline, hard work, and selflessness in the corporate world.

“Yeah, it’s okay. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like work. Because you’re doing so much for other people,” Lao said, who was part of the Ateneo squad that won a University Athletic Association of the Philippines title in 2022.

“And that’s one of the biggest takeaways when I was in college. Servanthood. Being a man for others. So, it feels like a hobby to me. I’m happy that I can help people.”

Lao listens more than he talks and learns more than he instructs.

“I get to learn from other people. I mean, I’m a sponge. I want to learn from those who are smarter than me. Those who are more expert than me,” Lao said.

“It’s something that I always pursue. I want to learn from this person. Or from his attitude. What he brings. I think that’s one of the things that I enjoy. Being in my position.”

“I get to mingle, talk to other people. See how they are. Learn from them. And then share ideas. That’s it.”

Not straying way from his love for sports, Lao said he still keeps a workout routine and plays pick-up basketball when he has free time.

“I still have time. I give myself time. I still work out,” Lao said.

“Then sometimes, if I have time, or if I don’t have anything to do at night, I’ll go to a practice. I’ll do some exercises or something. Something like that, just to stay in shape, keeps you sane, keeps you grounded, reminds you of where you come from.”

Even with a change of scenery, Lao remains humble and competitive just like in his days as a student-athlete.

“It’s still the same. I feel like nothing’s changed. I’ve tried not to change anything as much when it comes to routine,” Lao said.

“It’s always been time management and discipline. You have to learn how to manage your time, take care of yourself, take care of your body, take care of the people around you, then do your work.”

Brick by brick, Lao is patiently building a dynasty in Philippine sports.

And there’s no doubt that he’s off to a great start.